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NHL Draft Profile: Jared McCann

When he's on the ice, Jared McCann is a threat in all three zones, a reliable penalty killer and a gritty power forward. That's a pretty complete package, wouldn't you say?

McCann, listed at six feet tall and 174 lbs., is a dependable, two-way center that plays with energy on every shift. He is aggressive on the forecheck and has proven that he can handle tough minutes in all situations. One of the most notable things about McCann's game is that he is consistently matched up against the opposing team's best players, a role he seems to relish and excels in.

The 17-year-old forward has a strong offensive game, as well. Scouts say he is a very good skater and could perhaps be one of the fleetest of foot in this year's draft class. Combine his foot speed with puck skills and hockey sense and you have a dangerous hockey player that can make an impact on any given shift.

Before embarking on his OHL career, McCann tallied 131 points (61 goals and 70 assists) in 67 games with the London Jr. Knights midget team in 2011-12. In his rookie season in the OHL, McCann recorded 21 goals and 23 assists for 44 points, which was eighth-best on a Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound team that crept into the OHL playoffs before bowing out in the first round. McCann, who said he models his two-way play after Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, finished the season ranked 10th out of all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards on McCann:

"Jared is a highly skilled and creative playmaker. He has excellent hands and puck handling ability. He sees the ice very well and can get the puck through traffic with great saucer passes. He is not a guy who will always bring you out of your seat but is dangerous every shift. An excellent penalty killer who reads the play very well."